Streptococcus pyogenes carriage and infection within households in The Gambia: a longitudinal cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus pyogenes causes more than 500 000 deaths per year globally, which occur disproportionately in low-income and middle-income countries. The roles of S pyogenes skin and pharyngeal carriage in transmission are unclear. We aimed to investigate the clinical epidemiology and household transmission dynamics of both S pyogenes asymptomatic carriage and infection in a high-burden setting. METHODS: We did a 1-year prospective, longitudinal, household cohort study, recruiting healthy participants from households in Sukuta, The Gambia. Households were eligible if they comprised at least three members, including one child younger than 18 years, and were excluded if more than half of household members declined to participate. Households were identified by random GPS coordinates derived from census data. At monthly visits, pharyngeal and normal skin swabs were collected for S pyogenes culture, and sociodemographic data were recorded by interview. Incident pharyngitis and pyoderma infections were captured. Cultured isolates underwent emm genotyping. The primary outcome measures were incidence of S pyogenes carriage and disease. Additional outcomes were prevalence of S pyogenes skin and pharyngeal carriage, S pyogenes skin and pharyngeal clearance time, S pyogenes emm type, risk factors for carriage and disease events, household secondary attack rate, and emm-linked household transmission events. The study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05117528. FINDINGS: Between July 27, 2021, and Sept 28, 2022, 442 participants were enrolled from 44 households. The median age was 15 years (IQR 6-28) and 233 (53%) were female. We identified 17 pharyngitis and 99 pyoderma events and 49 pharyngeal and 39 skin S pyogenes carriage acquisition events. Mean monthly prevalence was 1·4% (95% CI 1·1-1·9) for S pyogenes pharyngeal carriage and 1·2% (0·9-1·6) for S pyogenes skin carriage. Incidence was 120 per 1000 person-years (95% CI 87-166) for S pyogenes pharyngeal carriage, 124 per 1000 person-years (90-170) for S pyogenes skin carriage, 51 per 1000 person-years (31-84) for S pyogenes pharyngitis, and 263 per 1000 person-years (212-327) for S pyogenes pyoderma. Pharyngeal carriage risk was higher during the rainy season (HR 5·67, 95% CI 2·19-14·69) and in larger households (per additional person: 1·03, 1·00-1·05), as was pharyngitis risk (rainy season: 3·00, 1·10-8·22; household size: 1·04, 1·02-1·07). Skin carriage risk was not affected by season or household size, but was lower in female than in male participants (0·45, 0·22-0·92) and highest in children younger than 5 years compared with adults (22·69, 3·08-167·21), with similar findings for pyoderma (female sex: 0·34, 0·19-0·61; age <5 years: 7·00, 2·78-17·64). Median clearance time after carriage acquisition was 4·0 days for both skin (IQR 3·5-7·0) and pharynx (3·5-7·3). The mean household secondary attack rate was 4·9 (95% CI 3·5-6·3) for epidemiologically linked S pyogenes events and 0·74 (0·3-1·2) for emm-linked S pyogenes events. Of the 204 carriage and disease events, emm types were available for 179 (88%). Only 18 emm-linked between-visit household transmission events were identified. Pyoderma was the most common source of S pyogenes household transmissions in 11 (61%) of 18 emm-linked transmissions. Both pharynx to skin and skin to pharynx transmission events were observed. INTERPRETATION: S pyogenes carriage and infection are common in The Gambia, particularly in children. Most events are non-household acquisitions, but skin carriage and pyoderma have an important role in S pyogenes household transmission and bidirectional transmission between skin and pharynx occurs. FUNDING: Wellcome Trust, Chadwick Trust, Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique (Belgium), European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases, and Medical Research Council (UK).

Contribution to the improvement of the nutritional and functional properties of bread by incorporating cinnamon powder (Cinnamomum verum).

Bread is a staple food for billions of households around the world; yet, some of its nutritional value is reduced during the manufacturing process. With this in mind, this work was carried out with the objective of improving the nutritional and functional properties of white bread by using cinnamon in breadmaking in order to contribute to the prevention of certain diseases related to eating habits. Therefore, bread-making trials by incorporating 0%, 0.5%, and 1% of cinnamon powder were carried out. From then on, the breads produced underwent physicochemical, biochemical, and organoleptic analyses. Thus, the results showed that the biochemical composition of the bread containing 1% cinnamon powder and the bread containing 0.5% cinnamon was 11.96 ± 0.02% and 11.22 ± 0.02% for protein, 1.70 ± 0.01% and 1.41 ± 0.07% for fiber, respectively, compared to 10.76 ± 0.014% protein and 1.36 ± 0.17% fiber for the bread without cinnamon. In terms of phytochemical composition, the bread containing 1% cinnamon powder recorded the highest contents of polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins (551.295 ± 25 µg EAG/g DM, respectively; 53.117 ± 1.36 µg EQ/g DM and 269.837 ± 39.2 µg EC/g DM) compared to the bread containing 0.5% of cinnamon powder and the bread with 1% cinnamon. From the nutritional and phytochemical point of view, the results of this work showed the positive impact of the incorporation of cinnamon powder in wheat flour-based bread with beneficial properties on the health of consumers.

Functional properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Ivory Coast.

BACKGROUND: Probiotics have recently been applied in aquaculture as eco-friendly alternatives to antibiotics to improve fish health, simultaneously with the increase of production parameters. The present study aimed to investigate the functional potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from the gut of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) originating from the aquaculture farm of Oceanologic Research Center in Ivory Coast. RESULTS: Twelve LAB strains were identified by 16 S rDNA gene sequence homology analysis belonging to two genera Pediococcus (P. acidilactici and P. pentosaceus) and Lactobacillus (L. plantarum) with a predominance of P. acidilactici. Several aspects including functional, storage, and safety characteristics were taken into consideration in the selection process of the native LAB isolates as potential probiotics. All LAB isolates showed high antagonistic activity against bacterial pathogens like Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, and Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, the LAB isolates exhibited different degrees of cell surface hydrophobicity in the presence of hexane, xylene, and chloroform as solvents and a good ability to form biofilm. The strong antioxidant activity expressed through the DPPH scavenging capacity of LAB intact cells and their cell-free supernatants was detected. LAB strains survived between 34.18% and 49.9% when exposed to low pH (1.5) and pepsin for 3 h. In presence of 0.3% bile salts, the growth rate ranged from 0.92 to 21.46%. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of LAB isolates showed sensitivity or intermediate resistance to amoxicillin, cephalothin, chloramphenicol, imipenem, kanamycin, penicillin, rifampicin, streptomycin, tetracycline and resistance to oxacillin, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin. No significant difference in antibiotic susceptibility pattern was observed between P. acidilactici and P. pentosaceus strains. The non-hemolytic activity was detected. Following the analysis of the enzyme profile, the ability of LAB isolates to produce either lipase or ß-galactosidase or both enzymes was highlighted. Furthermore, the efficacy of cryoprotective agents was proved to be isolate-dependent, with LAB isolates having a high affinity for D-sorbitol and sucrose. CONCLUSION: The explored LAB strains inhibited the growth of pathogens and survived after exposure to simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions. The safety and preservative properties are desirable attributes of these new probiotic strains hence recommended for future food and feed applications.

Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 variants characterized during different COVID-19 waves in Mali.

Background: The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants may have contributed to prolonging the pandemic, and increasing morbidity and mortality related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This article describes the dynamics of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants identified during the different COVID-19 waves in Mali between April and October 2021. Methods: The respiratory SARS-CoV-2 complete spike (S) gene from positive samples was sequenced. Generated sequences were aligned by Variant Reporter v3.0 using the Wuhan-1 strain as the reference. Mutations were noted using the GISAID and Nextclade platforms. Results: Of 16,797 nasopharyngeal swab samples tested, 6.0% (1008/16,797) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Of these, 16.07% (162/1008) had a cycle threshold value ≤28 and were amplified and sequenced. The complete S gene sequence was recovered from 80 of 162 (49.8%) samples. Seven distinct variants were identified: Delta (62.5%), Alpha (1.2%), Beta (1.2%), Eta (30.0%), 20B (2.5%), 19B (1.2%) and 20A (1.2%). Conclusions and perspectives: Several SARS-CoV-2 variants were present during the COVID-19 waves in Mali between April and October 2021. The continued emergence of new variants highlights the need to strengthen local real-time sequencing capacity and genomic surveillance for better and coordinated national responses to SARS-CoV-2.

Molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in referral health centers of Bamako, Mali: What is new?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Tuberculosis (TB) remains an important global health issue worldwide. Despite this scourge threatening many human lives, especially in developing countries, thus far, no advanced molecular epidemiology study using recent and more accurate tools has been conducted in Mali. Therefore, this study aimed to use variable-number tandem repeats of mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units (MIRU-VNTR) technology coupled with the spoligotyping method to accurately determine the hot spots and establish the epidemiological transmission links of TB in Bamako, Mali. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 245 isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) were characterized using spoligotyping and MIRU-VNTR, and an epidemiological investigation was conducted. RESULTS: Of the 245 isolates, 184 (75.1%) were formally identified. The most widespread strain was the Cameroon strain (83; 45.1%). Eight major clusters were identified: Ghana (27; 14.7%), West African 2 (22; 12%), Haarlem (13; 7.1%), H37Rv (t) (8; 4.3%), Latin American Mediterranean (8; 4.3%), and Uganda I and II (6; 3.3%). Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between lineages from the respective referral health centers of Bamako, Mali (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study establishes, for the first time, an accurate spatial distribution of circulating MTB strains in Bamako, Mali. The data was used to identify strains and "hot spots" causing TB infection and can also be used for more targeted public health responses, particularly for hot spots of drug-resistant strains.

Volatile compounds of traditional sorghum beer (tchapalo) produced in Côte d'Ivoire: comparison between wild yeasts and pure culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

In recent years, there had been growing demand for distinctive high quality beer. Fermentation management has a fundamental role in beer quality and the levels of aroma compounds. Use of non-conventional yeast has been proposed to enhance beer flavor. In this study, the bioflavor of traditional sorghum beer from Côte d'Ivoire was investigated. The flavor profile of two beers fermented with wild yeasts and with pure culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae respectively were studied. The main flavor components of the beer fermented by pure culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were different from those of the beer fermented with wild yeasts. The total level of esters and higher alcohols were (173.51 and 128.85 mg/L) respectively in the beer fermented with wild yeasts. These levels were significantly higher than those in the beer fermented with pure culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae which were 13.08 and 78.26 mg/L for higher alcohols and esters respectively. On the other hand, the beer fermented with pure culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae had an acid content higher than beer fermented with wild yeasts, i.e. 9.3 mg/L and 7.53 mg/L respectively.

Erythrocyte-derived microvesicles induce arterial spasms in JAK2V617F myeloproliferative neoplasm.

Arterial cardiovascular events are the leading cause of death in patients with JAK2V617F myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). However, their mechanisms are poorly understood. The high prevalence of myocardial infarction without significant coronary stenosis or atherosclerosis in patients with MPNs suggests that vascular function is altered. The consequences of JAK2V617F mutation on vascular reactivity are unknown. We observe here increased responses to vasoconstrictors in arteries from Jak2V617F mice resulting from a disturbed endothelial NO pathway and increased endothelial oxidative stress. This response was reproduced in WT mice by circulating microvesicles isolated from patients carrying JAK2V617F and by erythrocyte-derived microvesicles from transgenic mice. Microvesicles of other cellular origins had no effect. This effect was observed ex vivo on isolated aortas, but also in vivo on femoral arteries. Proteomic analysis of microvesicles derived from JAK2V617F erythrocytes identified increased expression of myeloperoxidase as the likely mechanism accounting for their effect. Myeloperoxidase inhibition in microvesicles derived from JAK2V617F erythrocytes suppressed their effect on oxidative stress. Antioxidants such as simvastatin and N-acetyl cysteine improved arterial dysfunction in Jak2V617F mice. In conclusion, JAK2V617F MPNs are characterized by exacerbated vasoconstrictor responses resulting from increased endothelial oxidative stress caused by circulating erythrocyte-derived microvesicles. Simvastatin appears to be a promising therapeutic strategy in this setting.

Technological development and stability study of meprobamate immediate released tablets

The behavior of different technological variants of fast release tablets of Meprobamato (400 mg) obtained by wet granulation. The desintegration time and the percentage of the dissolved drug showed a significant dependence of the sodium lauryl sulfate /sodium croscarmelose ratios present in formulae. The physical and chemical properties of tablets were assessed during 6 months (accelerated stability and dring 24 months (useful life), respectively. From the formulae selected it was possible to obtain granulates and tablets with organoleptic, physicomechanical and technological properties, demonstrating the feasibility of the process of fabrication of this product. Results showed the good stability in the immediate release of Meprobamato tablets selected. The in vitro dissolution hasn't significant differences, thus, neither the time elapsed nor the composition of formula inluenced on the percentages of dissolved drug. The assessment demonstrated significant differences, however, assessed formulae fulfilled with official pharmaceutical specifications during 24 months

Se estudió el comportamiento de diferentes variantes tecnológicas de tabletas de liberación inmediata de meprobamato (400 mg), obtenidas por granulación húmeda. El tiempo de desintegración y el porcentaje de fármaco disuelto mostraron dependencia significativa con las proporciones del lauril sulfato de sodio/croscarmelosa sódica en las formulaciones. Se evaluaron las propiedades físicas y químicas de las tabletas durante 6 meses (estabilidad acelerada) y 24 meses (de vida útil), respectivamente. Se obtuvieron a partir de las formulaciones seleccionadas granulados y tabletas con propiedades organolépticas, físico-mecánicas y tecnológicas satisfactorias, lo que indicó la factibilidad del proceso de fabricación de este producto. Los resultados demostraron la buena estabilidad de las formulaciones de tabletas de liberación inmediata de meprobamato seleccionadas. La disolución in vitro no mostró diferencias significativas, por lo que ni el tiempo transcurrido ni la composición de la formulación influyeron sobre los porcentajes del fármaco disuelto. La valoración mostró diferencias significativas, sin embargo, las formulaciones evaluadas cumplieron con las especificaciones farmacéuticas oficiales durante 24 meses

Synthesis of C-glycoside analogues of beta-galactosamine-(1-->4)-3-O-methyl-D-chiro-inositol and assay as activator of protein phosphatases PDHP and PP2Calpha.

The glycan beta-galactosamine-(1-4)-3-O-methyl-D-chiro-inositol, called INS-2, was previously isolated from liver as a putative second messenger-modulator for insulin. Synthetic INS-2 injected intravenously in rats is both insulin-mimetic and insulin-sensitizing. This bioactivity is attributed to allosteric activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase (PDHP) and protein phosphatase 2Calpha (PP2Calpha). Towards identification of potentially metabolically stable analogues of INS-2 and illumination of the mechanism of enzymatic activation, C-INS-2, the exact C-glycoside of INS-2, and C-INS-2-OH the deaminated analog of C-INS-2, were synthesized and their activity against these two enzymes evaluated. C-INS-2 activates PDHP comparable to INS-2, but failed to activate PP2Calpha. C-INS-2-OH was inactive against both phosphatases. These results and modeling of INS-2, C-INS-2 and C-INS-2-OH into the 3D structure of PDHP and PP2Calpha, suggest that INS-2 binds to distinctive sites on the two different phosphatases to activate insulin signaling. Thus the carbon analog could selectively favor glucose disposal via oxidative pathways.

Salt dual-fortified with iodine and micronized ground ferric pyrophosphate affects iron status but not hemoglobin in children in Cote d'Ivoire.

Deficiencies of iron and iodine are common in West Africa, and salt is one of very few food vehicles available for fortification. Salt dual-fortified with iodine and micronized ground ferric pyrophosphate (FePP) was tested for its efficacy in rural, tropical Côte d'Ivoire. First, salt and iron intakes, and iron bioavailability were estimated using 3-d weighed food records in 24 households. Local iodized salt was then fortified with 3 mg Fe/g salt as ground FePP (mean particle size = 2.5 mum), and stability, sensory and acceptability trials were done. The dual fortified salt (DFS) was distributed to households and its efficacy compared with that of iodized salt (IS) in a 6-mo, double-blind trial in 5- to 15-y-old iron-deficient children (n = 123). All children were dewormed at baseline. After 6 mo, serum ferritin (SF) and transferrin receptor (TfR) concentrations as well as body iron stores improved significantly in the DFS group but not in the IS GROUP (P < 0.05). Body iron increased from 4.6 +/- 2.7 to 5.9 +/- 2.7 mg/kg (mean +/- SD) in the DFS group; concentrations before and after treatment in the IS group were 5.5 +/- 2.9 and 5.6 +/- 3.1 mg/kg, respectively. The hemoglobin concentration and the prevalence of anemia did not change in either group. The prevalences of malaria, soil-transmitted helminths, and riboflavin deficiency were 55, 14, and 66%, respectively. In tropical West Africa, low-grade salt fortified with micronized ground FePP increased body iron stores but not hemoglobin in children. Iron utilization may have been impaired by the high prevalence of malaria and concurrent nutrient deficiencies.

Oxocarbenium ion cyclizations for C-branched cyclitols: synthesis of a relay intermediate for fumagillin analogues.

A highly stereoselective oxocarbenium ion-alkene cyclization for synthesis of C-branched cylitols is described. This methodology was applied to 10S, a potentially versatile intermediate for side-chain analogues of the antiangiogenic agent fumagillin. Compound 10S was subsequently converted to diene 5. Because racemic 5 has been converted to racemic fumagillin, this synthesis of 5 constitutes a formal synthesis of the natural product.